Fast food workers across the country are striking for better wages, marking the latest protest in recent months in which employees are seeking $15 an hour.

During similar protests last year, Business Insider interviewed McDonald's worker Nick Williams for insights into life as a fast food employee.

Williams is one of thousands of fast food workers who have joined strikes for higher pay.

Williams started working as a cashier at an Indianapolis McDonald's in March 2012 making $7.25 an hour — the federal minimum wage. A year later, he was promoted to line cook and given hourly pay of $8.25.

His take-home pay is just under $800 a month.

While his job is nearly full-time, Williams, 28, says his schedule is always capped off at 38 or 39 hours per week, making him ineligible for insurance benefits.

More than half of his take-home pay goes to rent on the 2-bedroom apartment he shares with his chronically ill mother and disabled brother. The remaining $335 goes toward food, transportation, and medical bills.

"I work almost every day and am eager for any shift they give me," Williams said. "I do everything I can to be a hard worker. It's disheartening when you can't even make ends meet."

Williams applied for food stamps, but was told his income was too high to qualify. Sometimes, his free employee meal at McDonald's is all he eats in a day.

"Because I live with family, we pool our resources for groceries, but sometimes we have to go without," Williams said. "Sometimes I come home from work and there's no food in the house."

The last time Williams treated himself to a movie, his favorite activity, was several months ago. He said he aspires to one day be able to go to the movies every weekend.

Williams recently fell ill with a sinus infection and went to a doctor. His bills totaled $600 — nearly a month's wages.

Overtime is also out of the question. Part-time employees can be suspended for working more than 40 hours a week, Williams said.